Engine running but drive shaft not turning

HD2424

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
246,000 MILES

The truck listed above is a 1500 z71. I put in drive and I believe noise is coming from transfer case but drive shaft not spinning. Could it be a bad Transfer Case, or could the flywheel be broken? I had that happen before and the truck didn’t move. Or could it be transmission? I used the truck all last week moving stuff from one storage unit to another, it ran fine. I get in it today go about a mile and it goes out.

My transfer case switch in cab of truck is stuck in neutral if transfer case is stuck in neutral is that y my driveshaft not turning? Could I take off the encoder motor and manually put in Drive?

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

If the transfer case is stuck in neutral, you will not have any gears. It's the same as placing the transmission in neutral.

It sounds like the encoder motor may have failed or you may simply have lost ground. I need to know which transfer case you have. It will either be an NVG 246-NP8 or an
NVG 263-NP1 Transfer Case.

If you look at the pics below, they explain how to identify the transfer case in your vehicle.

If you haven't, I would scan the can-bus. I have a feeling you will find code C0306 is stored, but I can't be sure.

Here is a link that explains how to scan the can-bus. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing them.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Let me know what you find. Also, if you could record the sound, it makes and upload it for me to hear, it may help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 AT 10:17 PM

HD2424

MEMBER
191 POSTS

Okay, I checked it pulled off encoder motor and that what it was. It was stuck in neutral. I just manually put in 2-wheel drive. Works fine. Is it okay to drive it without a front drive shaft? I test drove it and saw no fluid leaking from the transfer case. Until I get a new encoder motor.

Thanks

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Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 12:42 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

If you placed it in 2wd manually, there isn't a need to remove the front drive shaft. As far as it being off, if you are making short trips and nothing is leaking, you should be fine.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 1:06 PM

HD2424